Somers Communications Specialist Earns Top Writing Award

Every year, the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) recognizes school communications efforts through a series of awards.

According to its website, the NSPRA “recognizes outstanding tactical materials such as publications, newsletters, videos, podcasts, websites, social media, and more. This year’s award-winning entries exemplify the impactful, innovative work shaping the future of school communication.”

This year, Somers Central School District’s communications department was awarded two Excellence in Writing awards, the highest level of recognition conferred by NSPRA for a specific piece of writing.

The winning articles, “Therapy Dog Vader is a Force for Good at SHS” and “Creativity Thrives in the Makerspace,” were written by Heather Thurmeier, Communications Specialist for Somers Central School District.

“I was thrilled to find out that I’d won two awards this year, and that both received the highest honor,” said Thurmeier. “I submitted those articles for consideration because I felt they highlighted two of the amazing ways students are supported throughout our district.”

Thurmeier knew she wanted to write an article about Vader the minute she saw pictures of him greeting students outside of the high school on the first day of classes last fall. “Who doesn’t love a story about dogs and kids?” said Thurmeier. “Writing about Vader seemed like a great way to start the year on a positive note. The more I learned about Vader and the different ways he supports the students’ emotional well-being, the more I knew he had to be showcased.”

The second article came about when Thurmeier learned about the Makerspace in Somers Middle School. Makerspace is a place where students can go during lunch and recess to explore their creativity through hands-on building. “It seemed like a great place for students to create in a way that wasn’t attached to grades, and I wanted to highlight that opportunity.”

This is Thurmeier’s second year writing for Somers, and her second year winning NSPRA awards. Last year, her articles received a Merit Award and an Honorable Mention.

“I feel so lucky to be able to write about all the incredible things the students and teachers are doing in this district. I’m constantly amazed by their creativity, ingenuity, and passion for teaching and learning.”